Tourisme Montréal Blog » Divers/Citehttp://www.tourisme-montreal.org/blog
Tue, 31 Mar 2015 19:53:49 +0000en-UShourly1#MTLMOMENTS Infographic: Summer Festivals in Montrealhttp://www.tourisme-montreal.org/blog/mtlmoments-infographic-summer-festival-montreal/
http://www.tourisme-montreal.org/blog/mtlmoments-infographic-summer-festival-montreal/#commentsThu, 24 Apr 2014 18:36:53 +0000Alexander Dunphyhttp://www.tourisme-montreal.org/blog/?p=69325This infographic of summer festivals in Montreal barely covers the 100+ festivals that occur throughout the year in this incredible city. For a broader look at everything that’s happening, check out our complete Festival Guide. While you’re at it, consider scrolling through our Bike Guide, Swimming Guide, Fashion Guide, Museum Guide, and Gallery Guide! Do you love infographics as much as we do? Check out our “Where To Drink In Montreal” Infographic here. Come to Montreal and book a Sweet Deal Hotel Package with up to $450 in savings on great activities and attractions!

]]>http://www.tourisme-montreal.org/blog/mtlmoments-infographic-summer-festival-montreal/feed/0LGBT SUMMER IN MONTREAL RECAPhttp://www.tourisme-montreal.org/blog/lgbt-summer-in-montreal-recap/
http://www.tourisme-montreal.org/blog/lgbt-summer-in-montreal-recap/#commentsWed, 11 Sep 2013 14:45:57 +0000Alexander Dunphyhttp://www.tourisme-montreal.org/blog/?p=49409Waking up bleary eyed in the fall, the summer long Montreal daydream becomes a memory meld of food trucks, festivals, park promenades, and sangria sipping in the sun. Because it’s Montreal (one of the most gay friendly places on Earth) the LGBT community was out frolicking in full force… Fierté Montreal Pride 2013 was an enormous success, drawing both locals and lovers from around the world to the Gay Village for a week of parades, parties, and pretty pink dots. The ROUGE edition of #fierteMTL broke attendance records with over 340,000 spectators. Big thanks to all the organizers, volunteers, spectators, participants, artists, and allies that made this an unforgettable weekend. Looking forward to ORANGE next year! (August 11-17, 2014) Divers/Cité is the other LGBT festival that takes place a few weeks before Fierté Montreal Pride. Taking over the beautiful Quai Jacques Cartier in the Old Port, D/C featured a roster of international DJs and the drag event of the season, Mascara! Tourisme Montreal‘s new LGBT social network, QUEER MTL, hosted a video series called Do Your Thing in MTL, which invited LGBT celebrities from around North America to travel to Montreal and “do their thing” and use our city as their... / Read More →

Waking up bleary eyed in the fall, the summer long Montreal daydream becomes a memory meld of food trucks, festivals, park promenades, and sangria sipping in the sun. Because it’s Montreal (one of the most gay friendly places on Earth) the LGBT community was out frolicking in full force…

Fierté Montreal Pride 2013 was an enormous success, drawing both locals and lovers from around the world to the Gay Village for a week of parades, parties, and pretty pink dots. The ROUGE edition of #fierteMTL broke attendance records with over 340,000 spectators. Big thanks to all the organizers, volunteers, spectators, participants, artists, and allies that made this an unforgettable weekend. Looking forward to ORANGE next year! (August 11-17, 2014)

Divers/Cité is the other LGBT festival that takes place a few weeks before Fierté Montreal Pride. Taking over the beautiful Quai Jacques Cartier in the Old Port, D/C featured a roster of international DJs and the drag event of the season, Mascara!

Tourisme Montreal‘s new LGBT social network, QUEER MTL, hosted a video series called Do Your Thing in MTL, which invited LGBT celebrities from around North America to travel to Montreal and “do their thing” and use our city as their stage. Jonny “Gay Pimp” McGovern did a wacky music video called French Kiss, comedian DeAnne Smith sang us a Mile End Lesbian Love Song, Olympic figure skater and LGBT activist Johnny Weir-Voronov did some icy footwork, transgender model Carmen Carrera did a nearly-nude Burlesque show in the middle of the Gay Village, and our very own Mado Lamotte gave us a hilarious carriage tour of Old Montreal. Check out the performances and interviews on the QUEER MTL YouTube channel.

]]>http://www.tourisme-montreal.org/blog/lgbt-summer-in-montreal-recap/feed/0Things to Do in Montreal: August 2-8http://www.tourisme-montreal.org/blog/things-to-do-in-montreal-august-2-8/
http://www.tourisme-montreal.org/blog/things-to-do-in-montreal-august-2-8/#commentsThu, 01 Aug 2013 20:29:36 +0000Robyn Faddenhttp://www.tourisme-montreal.org/blog/?p=47089The outdoor days continue in Montreal as August begins to slow the pace of the city down – but there’s still plenty to do: Place des Festivals and Parc Lafontaine host live music; the Old Port hosts dance parties; gourmet food trucks are out in full force across the city; the world’s best tennis players are here; film and theatre abounds; and there’s plenty to rock out to after Osheaga… (live music) Massive music and arts festival Osheaga, whose lineup is stacked with great Montreal bands, rocks the daytime hours all weekend, while the Osheaga Official After Parties take over the Corona Theatre each night, with Rich Aucoin covering Daft Punk and DJ sets by Diamond Rings, Azari & III, Hot Chip and more. Also on August 2, electro-dance the night away with Rone, Jimmy Edgar and Machinedrum at the SAT and Baauer & Friends at New City Gas. Another awesome option for the weekend: the MEG festival of pop and electronic music, with affordable shows around town and a night-time boat cruise on August 3. On August 6, Backstreet Boys are back with a new album and the dance moves to go with it, at the Bell Centre. On August 7,... / Read More →

The outdoor days continue in Montreal as August begins to slow the pace of the city down – but there’s still plenty to do: Place des Festivals and Parc Lafontaine host live music; the Old Port hosts dance parties; gourmet food trucks are out in full force across the city; the world’s best tennis players are here; film and theatre abounds; and there’s plenty to rock out to after Osheaga…

(live music) Massive music and arts festival Osheaga, whose lineup is stacked with great Montreal bands, rocks the daytime hours all weekend, while the Osheaga Official After Parties take over the Corona Theatre each night, with Rich Aucoin covering Daft Punk and DJ sets by Diamond Rings, Azari & III, Hot Chip and more.

Also on August 2, electro-dance the night away with Rone, Jimmy Edgar and Machinedrum at the SAT and Baauer & Friends at New City Gas. Another awesome option for the weekend: the MEG festival of pop and electronic music, with affordable shows around town and a night-time boat cruise on August 3. On August 6, Backstreet Boys are back with a new album and the dance moves to go with it, at the Bell Centre. On August 7, sway to the electro-pop-rock of Wild Cub at Divan Orange, or hear the Orchestre de la Francophonie go electro at the SAT. On August 8, help a town in the aftermath of tragedy at Benefit Concert For Lac-Mégantic, with music by Sam Roberts Band, Planet Smashers and more on August 8 at Club Soda. Also on Thursday, tap in to the melodic R&B and hip hop of Australian’s Hiatus Kaiyote at Petit Campus, and listen to the sweet sounds of locals Blue Hawaii and D’Eon at Cabaret Playhouse.

(cultural abundance)Montreal’s First People’s Festival takes over Place des Festivals downtown this weekend, with food, music, dance and more. The festival joins music festival MEG for the major outdoor show Électrochoczaps on August 2, featuring Inuit throat singing music from composer Katia Makdissi-Warren, hip hop and reggae from Innu artist Shauit, and dance music from Montreal electronic musician and DJ Poirier and Martinique-Haiti-Montreal collective Sous le Ground. On August 3, watch the Nuestramericana friendship parade at Place des Festivals, while in the evening Quebec musician Richard Desjardins plays an intimate show called L’Existoire ultime, at Club Soda. Meanwhile, at Parc Lafontaine this weekend, Haiti on Fire! celebrates Haitian culture in its many forms, with live music, food kiosks, workshops and an art marketplace: see Black Parents play their mix of kompa and reggae music on Friday night and Haitian folkloric percussion ensemble Chaynanm on Saturday night.

(outdoor action) Montreal’s fleet of gourmet food trucks heads to the esplanade outside Olympic Stadium on August 3 for the monthlyFirst Fridays event – eat, drink and participate in activities for the whole family, including the Mini Rogers Cup, tournament for young tennis hopefuls, coinciding with the summer’s biggest tennis event, the Rogers Cup at Uniprix Stadium: watch the world’s top male tennis pros face off August 2-11. Meanwhile, stay satiated and healthy as six food trucks and a fruit vendor park downtown at Place Émilie-Gamelin on August 8, with live music courtesy of the M pour Montréal festival. And on August 7-8 at Peace Park next to the SAT, grab some gourmet barbeque and watch short films under the stars. And Saturday night marks the grand finale of the L’International des Feux Loto-Québec fireworks competition, held at La Ronde on Parc Jean-Drapeau, with excellent views from the Old Port.

(big gay fun) One of the biggest parties of the summer happens this weekend at Divers/Cité, an LGBT-and-friends event at Quai Jacques Cartier in the Old Port of Montréal. On August 2, hit the Clock Tower beach for a dance party in the sand, and kick it up a notch on August 3 and 4 at the festival’s biggest shows: the Sunset Party and La Grande Danse, with DJs David Morales, Frankie Knuckles, Hector Romero, and more, plus North America’s largest drag show, Mascara on August 3.

(street fashion) The 13th edition of Montreal’s Festival Mode & Design walks the runway outdoors on McGill-College Avenue downtown until August 3. Over 50 fashion shows, events hosted by guest of honour French artist Jean-Charles de Castelbajac, an outdoor bar and restaurant, and live music from Plastik Patrik, UN, Jef Barbara, and more. The festival culminates on August 3 in 10 p.m. performance of Mutations by Geneviève Borne, a concept show of fashion, rock n’ roll and imaginings of a robotic future.

(screen & stage) See rare and long-awaited international premiers of horror, suspense, Asian and art-house films at the Fantasia International Film Festival, to August 7. Among the many films, see Japanese time-travel comedy Thermae Romae, the latest in the horror series The Curse of Chucky, Josh Johnson’s documentary on the VHS tape, Rewind This!, Caradog James’ sci-fi film The Machine, Edgar Wright’s The End of the World, and much more. The program also includes a live theatrical production of Clive Barker play The History of the Devil, on stage at Place des Arts’ Cinquieme Salle to August 3.

]]>http://www.tourisme-montreal.org/blog/things-to-do-in-montreal-august-2-8/feed/0Things to Do in Montreal: July 26–August 1http://www.tourisme-montreal.org/blog/things-to-do-in-montreal-july-26-august-1/
http://www.tourisme-montreal.org/blog/things-to-do-in-montreal-july-26-august-1/#commentsThu, 25 Jul 2013 18:40:50 +0000Robyn Faddenhttp://www.tourisme-montreal.org/blog/?p=45614It may be the end of July, but Montreal hasn’t slowed down for summer’s dog days yet: comedy festivals Just For Laughs and Zoofest add high and hilarious energy to the city; free outdoor entertainment, from theatre to dance to fireworks and live music, goes on in the parks and downtown; and film festivals and rock shows help keep everything cool… (still laughing) Some of the world’s funniest people are in town this week for comedy festival Just For Laughs: see comedy showcase galas hosted by Sarah Silverman, Joan Rivers, Kathy Griffith, Whitney Cummings and Kristin Chenoweth. Solo shows abound as well: if you’re lucky you might get a ticket for one of Dave Chappelle’s many shows or see Danny Bhoy, Colin Quinn, Bo Burnham, Tig Notaro, Judah Friedlander, Moshe Kasher, Brian Posehn, Pete Holmes, and more. For a night of variety and bang for your comedy buck, check out showcases like the Alternative Show, the truly dirty The Nasty Show, Date Night: The Relationship Show, Talk of the Fest, with different hosts every night, including Kristen Schaal and SNL’s Taran Killam and Bobby Moynihan, and burlesque shows Candyass Cabaret and Acme Burlesque. JFL-offshoot Zoofest continues until July 28 with more... / Read More →

It may be the end of July, but Montreal hasn’t slowed down for summer’s dog days yet: comedy festivals Just For Laughs and Zoofest add high and hilarious energy to the city; free outdoor entertainment, from theatre to dance to fireworks and live music, goes on in the parks and downtown; and film festivals and rock shows help keep everything cool…

(still laughing) Some of the world’s funniest people are in town this week for comedy festival Just For Laughs: see comedy showcase galas hosted by Sarah Silverman, Joan Rivers, Kathy Griffith, Whitney Cummings and Kristin Chenoweth. Solo shows abound as well: if you’re lucky you might get a ticket for one of Dave Chappelle’s many shows or see Danny Bhoy, Colin Quinn, Bo Burnham, Tig Notaro, Judah Friedlander, Moshe Kasher, Brian Posehn, Pete Holmes, and more. For a night of variety and bang for your comedy buck, check out showcases like the Alternative Show, the truly dirty The Nasty Show, Date Night: The Relationship Show, Talk of the Fest, with different hosts every night, including Kristen Schaal and SNL’s Taran Killam and Bobby Moynihan, and burlesque shows Candyass Cabaret and Acme Burlesque. JFL-offshoot Zoofest continues until July 28 with more theatrical comedy shows such as Die Roten Punkte – Kunst Rock (Art Rock), Kuwaiti Moonshine, Progressive Polygamist: The Sweetest Reformers, The Birdmann in the events of momentous timing, and more.

(under the stars) High art meets the great outdoors in a free triple-bill by world-renowned Ballets Jazz de Montréal, performing emotionally-rich contemporary dance pieces by choreographers Cayetano Soto and Barak Marshall, at Parc Lafontaine’s Théâtre de Verdure on July 26 and 27 at 9 p.m. See Shakespeare for free this week too as Repercussion Theatre’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream sets up downtown in Cabot Square on July 26 and in Westmount Park July 27-28, 7:30 p.m. As part of LGBT festival Divers/Cité, see Wim Wenders’ dance film Pina, about famed choreographer Pina Bausch, at Théâtre de Verdure at 9 p.m. of July 29, and dance the night of August 1 away at Clock Tower Beach in the Old Port with DJs Alain Jackinsky and Nico Concerto.

(food, fire & fashion) Take advantage of several of Montreal’s affordable gourmet food trucks, parked for our foodie pleasure on the esplanade outside Olympic Stadium on August 3 for the monthly First Fridays event. Look to the sky above Parc Jean-Drapeau for two more incredible fireworks displays before the August 3 finale of the L’International des Feux Loto-Québec competition, completely set to music: on July 27, it’s Canada’s pyrotechnic interpretation of the four seasons, and on on July 31, Italy finds inspiration in classic-rock. For the fashion-inclined, head to the Montréal Fashion & Design Festival July 31 to August 3, where a catwalk and stage takes over McGill-College Avenue between Ste-Catherine and de Maisonneuve: see the latest in high fashion, have a cocktail with friends, and watch as designers and musicians collaborate on wild and colourful performances.

(on-screen suspense) The Fantasia International Film Festival, on until August 7, balances out the sunny summer days with a little darkness, especially for fans of horror and suspense. The festival screens films from around the world, specializing in Asian film and rarities and featuring Q&A sessions with directors. This week, see K. King’s post-apocalyptic Zombie Hunter, Lorenzo Bianchini’s Across the River, Marçal Forés’s creepy coming-of-age film Animals, The National music documentary Mistaken for Strangers, Richie Mehta’s I’ll Follow You Down, Andrzej Zulawski’s classic L’Amour Braque, Yoshihiro Nakamura’s See You Tomorrow, Everyone, and even a live theatrical production of Clive Barker play The History of the Devil, on stage at Place des Arts’ Cinquieme Salle.

(native land) Montreal’s First Peoples’ Festival entertains with music, film and performing arts beginning July 30 with opening film, Pierre Bastien’s Paroles Amérikoises, an exploration of the Innu community of Ekuanitshit in Northern Quebec, screening at the Grand Bibliotheque at 7 p.m. More films follow on July 31 and August 1, including Gary Sundown’s Senaca Nation film Bury My Heart with Tonawanda, Guatemalan documentary Gold Fever, and Canadian documentary Vanishing Point, about the effects of climate change on the Inuit communities of Baffin Island and Greenland. On August 1, don’t miss a major free outdoor concert at Place des Festivals: Fiddle No More features the uplifting music of CerAmony and Digging Roosts.

(live music ) The 15th MEG Montreal Electronic Groove festival is in full swing July 26 to August 3, with over 70 artists at 10 different venues, including a boat. On July 26, dance to duo Saxsyndrum at Casa del Popolo, and get wild with the indie-rock of Solids and Duchess Says at Sala Rossa. MEG teams up with the Osheaga on August 1 for Electromania with DJs Shlohmo, France’s Sound Pellegrino Thermal Team, Para One, and Tommy Kruise, at Club Soda, while UK label Black Butter rocks the Belmont and the great indie-pop of The Besnard Lakes, Hôtel Morphée, Valleys and Dusted takes over Théâtre Corona, and MEG takes the reigns at Piknic Électronik on Sunday afternoon, featuring French DJs Magnanime and Locomote X Omni. Meanwhile, Kiss returns to rock out at the Bell Centre on July 29, the UK’s Big Country shakes it up at Petit Campus, and the fabulous Lianne La Havas sings her soulful heart out at Sala Rossa on August 1.

]]>http://www.tourisme-montreal.org/blog/things-to-do-in-montreal-july-26-august-1/feed/0Divers/Cite celebrates again in Montreal’s Old Porthttp://www.tourisme-montreal.org/blog/diverscite-2013-to-celebrate-once-again-in-montreals-old-port/
http://www.tourisme-montreal.org/blog/diverscite-2013-to-celebrate-once-again-in-montreals-old-port/#commentsMon, 15 Jul 2013 19:07:18 +0000Alexander Dunphyhttp://www.tourisme-montreal.org/blog/?p=37285Divers/Cité 2013 will be heating up Montreal’s Old Port with an expanded presence for the 21st edition, July 29 to August 4, 2013… Divers/Cité is an LGBT festival that invites people from all walks of life to enjoy dance, music, culture and diversity every summer with a spectacular array of performances and events. Divers/Cité will not only be returning to Quai Jacques-Cartier in the Old Port, but will be spilling over into the tranquil Bassin Bonsecours Island, and even Clock Tower Beach! The new Divers/Cité will top itself as the one the best summer festivals in Montréal. The two iconic Divers/Cité raves Sunset Party (August 3) and La Grande Danse (August 4) will also be going above and beyond this year with a roster of world-renowned house music DJs like David Morales, Frankie Knuckles, Hector Romero, DJ Memê, CHUS + CHEBALLOS, David Penn, Patrick M and Nicola Terriero. And North America’s largest drag show, Mascara (August 3) will be putting on its 16th edition with the mistress of ceremonies and creator, Mado Lamotte. The evening will be a massive event of Broadway, Vegas, and Bollywood inspired performances from Drag legends and new-comers. Unlike previous years, Divers/Cité won’t be entirely free this year. Each major event... / Read More →

Divers/Cité 2013 will be heating up Montreal’s Old Port with an expanded presence for the 21st edition, July 29 to August 4, 2013…

Divers/Cité is an LGBT festival that invites people from all walks of life to enjoy dance, music, culture and diversity every summer with a spectacular array of performances and events. Divers/Cité will not only be returning to Quai Jacques-Cartier in the Old Port, but will be spilling over into the tranquil Bassin Bonsecours Island, and even Clock Tower Beach! The new Divers/Cité will top itself as the one the best summer festivals in Montréal.

The two iconic Divers/Cité raves Sunset Party (August 3) and La Grande Danse (August 4) will also be going above and beyond this year with a roster of world-renowned house music DJs like David Morales, Frankie Knuckles, Hector Romero, DJ Memê, CHUS + CHEBALLOS, David Penn, Patrick M and Nicola Terriero. And North America’s largest drag show, Mascara (August 3) will be putting on its 16th edition with the mistress of ceremonies and creator, Mado Lamotte. The evening will be a massive event of Broadway, Vegas, and Bollywood inspired performances from Drag legends and new-comers.

Unlike previous years, Divers/Cité won’t be entirely free this year. Each major event like Sunset Party, La Grande Danse and Mascara will be $15 each with tickets available at the entrance. However if you become a “Friend of the Festival” for $15 you will get a wrist band with entrance to all events plus some exclusive parties. Limited quantities of these wristbands are available, so stay tuned for details!

]]>http://www.tourisme-montreal.org/blog/diverscite-2013-to-celebrate-once-again-in-montreals-old-port/feed/0WHAT TO DO IN MONTREAL’S GAY VILLAGE IN 2013http://www.tourisme-montreal.org/blog/montreal-gay-village-2013/
http://www.tourisme-montreal.org/blog/montreal-gay-village-2013/#commentsTue, 22 Jan 2013 20:40:21 +0000Alexander Dunphyhttp://www.tourisme-montreal.org/blog/?p=8377Tucked into a cozy café during the early winter months of 2013, or prancing around in a tank top come August, Montreal’s Gay Village is a fun and friendly place to hang out all year. The Village is packed with places to eat, drink and dance that appeal to a wide variety of people! Montreal’s Gay Village is centered roughly between Berri-Uqam and Papineau metro, bordered by Sherbrooke Street on the northern edge, and René-Levesque on the south. Smack dab in the center on Saint-Catherine is Beaudry metro, easily identified by the rainbow bars above the main entrance. The best way to discover the Village is to explore the streets and meet the people. However if you need a little assistance, here are some notable Village hotspots… Notable restaurants in the Gay Village include the highly-rated Mezcla, a “nuevo latino” restaurant that combines South American flavours with European style cooking. Mezcla has an extensive seafood menu, with private import wines from Latin America. Miyako Sushi is one of best Japanese restaurants in the area with good service and prices that won’t make you squirm. Other higher-end restaurants in the area include the amazing BYOB O’Thyme, mediterranean-style Ella Grill, and the open-kitchen Kitchenette. If... / Read More →

]]>Tucked into a cozy café during the early winter months of 2013, or prancing around in a tank top come August, Montreal’s Gay Village is a fun and friendly place to hang out all year. The Village is packed with places to eat, drink and dance that appeal to a wide variety of people!

Montreal’s Gay Village is centered roughly between Berri-Uqam and Papineau metro, bordered by Sherbrooke Street on the northern edge, and René-Levesque on the south. Smack dab in the center on Saint-Catherine is Beaudry metro, easily identified by the rainbow bars above the main entrance. The best way to discover the Village is to explore the streets and meet the people. However if you need a little assistance, here are some notable Village hotspots…

Notable restaurants in the Gay Village include the highly-rated Mezcla, a “nuevo latino” restaurant that combines South American flavours with European style cooking. Mezcla has an extensive seafood menu, with private import wines from Latin America. Miyako Sushi is one of best Japanese restaurants in the area with good service and prices that won’t make you squirm. Other higher-end restaurants in the area include the amazing BYOB O’Thyme, mediterranean-style Ella Grill, and the open-kitchen Kitchenette.

If you’re looking for something a little more on the casual side try Quebec classic St-Hubert, the always tasty Resto Pub St. André, La Piazzetta, Mozza (BYOB) or village favorite Saloon (complete with cute waiters.) You can dine your way across the globe in the Gay Village, with some international cuisine like Couscoussiere d’Ali Baba, the Korean rice bar Be Bap (BYOB), and the insanely yummy NosThés Bistro which offers up great value Taiwanese with an impressive selection of exotic tea.

During the summer Montreal’s patios bloom to life. Restaurants with great open air seating include Bistro Florin graced by a large poplar tree, or Sky with huge pitchers of Sangria on the rooftop. One of the highest rated restaurants in Montreal on TripAdvisor (coming in at #8) is located a block east of the Gay Village called Le Grain de Sel. It has a neighbourhood vibe with some exquisite French cuisine. Want a sleazy one night stand with a burger? Five Guys Burgers on Saint Catherine is all the meat you’ll need.

Finding a fun, local watering hole in Montreal’s Gay Village is probably the easiest thing you’ll do all week. Every block has at least some sort of bar/lounge that will satisfy your thirst and preference. Starting with the always lovely Gotha Lounge, it’s intimate with a fireplace and a big beautiful bar. Try not to be deceived by initial appearances, Bar Relaxe on Sainte-Catherine is a solid place to grab a quick drink and chit chat with a friend. One of the hidden gems near the Gay Village is a little door and staircase right outside Berri-Uqam metro called l’Escalier. Escalier is filled with chill people, cheap beer, with nooks and chairs to get lost in.Drinking with a purpose always feels more productive, so flipping through the extensive song list (and settling on any Celine Dion) at the Village karaoke bars Club Date and Cocktail will be an easily achievable goal. If you’re a man’s man looking for other men, Bar Le Stud and l’Aigle Noir cater to a slightly more beefy demographic. Grabbing a drink while taking in one of Mado’s famous Drag Shows is particularly popular with students on Tuesday nights, due to the cheaper cover. The deadliest cocktail list in the Village is at Saloon, I suggest trying the “Bangkok.” I’m sure there was no pun intended when the owners named it.

Generally the consensus among frequent nightlife patrons is the Gay Village has some of the best dancing in town. Big open floors, flashy light shows, and people who, you know, actually dance. Club Unity is big on Friday nights filled with a young college crowd grinding to Top 40, while Saturday brings a slightly more mature crowd and House music. Apollon sits inside a stunning building (a former post office) and is worth going any night between Thursday and Sunday. The crowd is mixed, the bartenders are shirtless, and the space is a fun place to explore. Especially the basement level called Katakombs. Complex Sky has several dance floors, a gentle crowd, and music that fluctuates in quality depending on the room you find yourself in.Even after the regular clubs close, if you’re still itching to move, the Gay Village has two afterhours clubs you can hit. Stereo is renowned for its sound system and weekly lineup of world-class DJ’s, and Circus does its name honour after the clubs close. Don’t forget to grab breakfast on your way home at Chez Cora, L’Oeufrier or Resto du Village!

While wining, dining, and dancing is always a good time for a Friday night, it’s those Sunday afternoons in a coffee shop reminiscing about that wild night out that are often the most enjoyable. There are a bundle of cozy cafés for your latté sipping pleasure in the Gay Village. Autour d’un pain is the best-smelling café because it also doubles as a bakery.

There are the chain coffee shops like Starbucks, Second Cup, Java U, Tim Hortons and Presse Cafe, but why would you bother when you could support local small business by going to places like Le Pouce Gourmand, De Farine et d’Eau Fraiche, Pourquoi Pas, and 1000 grammes (formally known as Kilo). La Mie Matinale is filled with handsome men, sandwiches, coffee, treats, and pictures of singer/actress Dalida, so naturally it’s worth every minute and dollar spent there.

Starting with White Party Week (March 28-April 1) there will be lots happening in the Village during these busy few days. Also in March, ARTSIDA and the Edgy Women’s Festival will be taking place throughout Montreal. The real festivals begin in the summer though, when the Village transforms into a pedestrian boulevard with patios, performers, and people watching. Divers/Cité will take place July 30-August 4, followed by Fierté Montreal Pride, August 12-18. Fierté Montreal Pride week will see Community Day, Dyke March, and free concerts draw huge crowds to the Village. Check out some highlights from the full summer festival season in Montreal:

While not all festivals happen in the Gay Village, all of them are LGBT-friendly. All of January and into February, Montreal will be spending hours outdoors dancing at Igloofest, the coolest electronic music festival ever. Following in February is Montreal en Lumiere with Nuit Blanche, a celebration of culture in the Plateau, Old Port and Downtown. The summer season includes Jazz Fest, Just for Laughs, and Completement Cirque!

There are two primary shopping arteries in the Gay Village. Saint-Catherine that runs west-east and Amherst going north-south. Amherst is filled with many antique shops and stores that specialize in home decor like Cité Deco, Montréal Moderne, Spoutnik, and Second Chance. If you’re strolling down Saint-Catherine and hunting for something a little kinky, Priape and Fetish Armada are both high-quality stores with all the leather and rubber you could shake a stick at. For men’s clothing check out Evolution, Podium, Ernest, or the very cool Boutique Osez just off Saint-Catherine on Wolfe.If you’re in the market for art, stop by the galleries in the area: Galerie Dentaire (yes, doubles as a dentist’s office), Galerie Hermine, Galerie Nowhere, and Zephyr. All can be found dotted along Amherst. Last but not least, if you’re looking to buy something for a little furry friend, Doggy Style on Amherst is stocked with bones and toys!

]]>http://www.tourisme-montreal.org/blog/montreal-gay-village-2013/feed/2HAVING A BAL AT DIVERS/CITE 2011http://www.tourisme-montreal.org/blog/having-a-bal-at-diverscite-2011/
http://www.tourisme-montreal.org/blog/having-a-bal-at-diverscite-2011/#commentsTue, 02 Aug 2011 19:26:32 +0000Alexander Dunphy/blog/?p=4720The DJs spun, the Drag Queens lip-synced, the performers sang and the partiers danced. And we all had a great time doing it. Divers/Cité has come to an extravagant close and, once again, it was a highlight of the entire Montreal festival circuit. Check out some of the greatest moments from Divers/Cité 2011… Divers/Cité was once again a cultural hotbed of Music, Art and Performance. The events that stood out to me were MASCARA, Grande Danse and the Grand Bal. All three events attracted thousands of people all having fun together. That’s what Divers/Cité is all about: celebrating diversity and having lots of fun while doing it. Mado once again went above and beyond with the largest drag show on the planet: Mascara! From The Wizard of Oz to Britney Spears, the dancers were en pointe with the costumes, choreography and music. What a spectacular show. The Grande Danse and Grand Bal were almost surreal. I got to go backstage and take a peak out into the crowd as a world-renowned DJ’s spun right next to me. This is what I saw: It was an absolutely awe-inspiring from that view of tens of thousands of people all dancing under the... / Read More →

The DJs spun, the Drag Queens lip-synced, the performers sang and the partiers danced. And we all had a great time doing it. Divers/Cité has come to an extravagant close and, once again, it was a highlight of the entire Montreal festival circuit. Check out some of the greatest moments from Divers/Cité 2011…

Divers/Cité was once again a cultural hotbed of Music, Art and Performance. The events that stood out to me were MASCARA, Grande Danse and the Grand Bal. All three events attracted thousands of people all having fun together. That’s what Divers/Cité is all about: celebrating diversity and having lots of fun while doing it. Mado once again went above and beyond with the largest drag show on the planet: Mascara! From The Wizard of Oz to Britney Spears, the dancers were en pointe with the costumes, choreography and music. What a spectacular show.

The Grande Danse and Grand Bal were almost surreal. I got to go backstage and take a peak out into the crowd as a world-renowned DJ’s spun right next to me. This is what I saw:

It was an absolutely awe-inspiring from that view of tens of thousands of people all dancing under the setting sun. It was pretty powerful stuff that all these people were here to celebrate the message of Divers/Cité. Then we went over the Grand Bal. Which was another experience all together. Watching the band “Funk You” performing was hilarious as it was entertaining. They brought the house down, and I’m extremely jealous of their costumes. The Grand Bal culminated with the jaw-dropping set of Jimmy Moore doing Lady Gaga. She had an egg. She had the freaking egg. The dancing, the costumes, the sets were top notch and was my favourite experience of Divers/Cité over all. This has all gotten me so excited for Fierte Montreal Pride next week!

]]>http://www.tourisme-montreal.org/blog/having-a-bal-at-diverscite-2011/feed/0A BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO DIVERS/CITEhttp://www.tourisme-montreal.org/blog/a-beginners-guide-to-diverscite/
http://www.tourisme-montreal.org/blog/a-beginners-guide-to-diverscite/#commentsWed, 27 Jul 2011 18:39:08 +0000Alexander Dunphy/blog/?p=4671With Divers/Cité (D/C) set to dominate the social calendars of gay and straight locals alike, we know the visitors want to join in as well. But it can get overwhelming when trying to plot a D/C weekend in Montreal. What are the best shows? What kind of shoes should I wear? Is it going to rain? Where can I grab a bite to eat between moments of gay debauchery? Have no fear, Dunphy’s Noob Guide to D/C is here… Thursday, July 28, 2011: The big show on Thursday starts at 8:00pm, so take this whole day to rest and rejuvenate your delicate body for the fast paced weekend headed your way. I suggest a leisurely Bixi ride through the Old Port, lunch on a terrace, some therapeutic shopping, or forget the world in a long and blissful spa day. The chic gays of the world deserve the most chic spa in Montreal, so Bota Bota could fulfill your needs. Bota Bota is a spa on water. Literally, the spa floats on water. Located just west of les Quays of the Old Port this spa is urban pampering done right. Cocktail bar while getting a mani-pedi? I’ll take a double! Float... / Read More →

]]>With Divers/Cité (D/C) set to dominate the social calendars of gay and straight locals alike, we know the visitors want to join in as well. But it can get overwhelming when trying to plot a D/C weekend in Montreal. What are the best shows? What kind of shoes should I wear? Is it going to rain? Where can I grab a bite to eat between moments of gay debauchery? Have no fear, Dunphy’s Noob Guide to D/C is here…

Thursday, July 28, 2011: The big show on Thursday starts at 8:00pm, so take this whole day to rest and rejuvenate your delicate body for the fast paced weekend headed your way. I suggest a leisurely Bixi ride through the Old Port, lunch on a terrace, some therapeutic shopping, or forget the world in a long and blissful spa day. The chic gays of the world deserve the most chic spa in Montreal, so Bota Bota could fulfill your needs. Bota Bota is a spa on water. Literally, the spa floats on water. Located just west of les Quays of the Old Port this spa is urban pampering done right. Cocktail bar while getting a mani-pedi? I’ll take a double!

Float away from the spa and get some grub on your way. You’ll need some protein before the show, so grab a burger at the newly opened 5 Guys Burgers on Rue McGill. Seasoned fries, succulent patties, could this day get any better?

8pm, now it’s time for 1, Boulevard des Reves, the longest running variety show in Quebec. Sixteen artists will give you a taste of anything and everything. From Misstress Barbara live to Inuit sensation Elisapie Issac, plus Shequida from New York City! Lounge on one of the D/C terraces and enjoy the show projected on the big screens. D/C has managed to combine Montreal’s love for terraces with my love for big screens, and adds amazing cultural performers! Woohoo!

Friday, July 29, 2011: So you’re going to have to look fabulous all weekend. Why not be inspired by one of the masters of couture? Friday afternoon would be the perfect time to see the Jean Paul Gaultier exhibit “The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier” at the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. After your salacious appetite for fashion has been ignited, take to Rue St. Catherine to find that perfect outfit for tonight’s New Society.

New Society brings the best of 4 international DJs, 1 massive outdoor dance floor, and thousands of lights, beats and beautiful people. The show starts at 4:30pm with the last DJ taking the stage at 9:30pm and the night’s not even close to over after the crowds vacate Berri Street. UK-based DJ Pagano is spinning at Parking, the official after-party venue for New Society. Set to start at Midnight, this night will just get wilder. See you on the other side.

Saturday, July 30, 2011: Leave your hangover for another day because this will be a busy one and we don’t have a moment to spare! Wake up, late Brunch at Les Folies on Mont Royal. Bixi through the little ruelles of Le Plateau south to Berri Uqam Metro station. Park Bixis and take the Metro on the Green Line east towards to Botanical Gardens. Look at all the pretty flowers, gape in awe at the 300 year old bonsai trees. Head back downtown, early dinner at a pub on Crescent Street (Sir Winston Churchill Pub!). Bixi back along east along Maisonneuve and look around for prime seats. You’ll want the best view for Mado’s MASCARA extravaganza! The show starts at 8, which I’m sure is 8:30 in Drag Queen time. Take in all the sighs, and just enjoy! Take a little nap, and the head out to the official D/C Party at Club Stereo! This all-night rave goes from 1am, with Peter Rauhofer taking the stage at 4am! All partied out? Sleep now, little ones.

Sunday, July 31st, 2011: I hope you saved your energy, because this where you go all out. (You must be thinking “are you kidding me?, I barely remember the last three days…”) But really, the past week has been a training camp for today. This is the big leagues. Le Grand Finale. Le Grande Danse & Le Grand Bal. Looking at the line-up the theme seems to be “If you can’t take Montreal to Ibiza, bring Ibiza to Divers/Cité.” The DJs are Spanish superstars all giving you the best for the 10-hour dance marathon. Take breaks by hitting some Village Terraces. Grab a coffee at Java-U, go have some cocktails at Drugstore, fuel up at Pica Pica. You’ll need all this energy. You explored Montreal on your previous days, now it’s all about dancing the night away. Scoot on over to the Loto-Quebec Stage in Parc Emilie Gamelin at around 9:30pm to see the world-famous Jimmy Moore do a Lady GaGa impersonation set. Fasten your seat belts gays, because the Grande Everything is going to blow you away. After party is back at Parking with DJ David Tort. Expect long lines, and hot men.

All Divers/Cité activities have a suggested $5 donation. This is for charity people! Give what you can!

]]>http://www.tourisme-montreal.org/blog/a-beginners-guide-to-diverscite/feed/0ROBERT LALIBERTE: TRANSFORMATIONShttp://www.tourisme-montreal.org/blog/robert-laliberte-transformations/
http://www.tourisme-montreal.org/blog/robert-laliberte-transformations/#commentsThu, 07 Jul 2011 18:54:54 +0000Alexander Dunphy/blog/?p=4571Robert Laliberté’s illustrious career as a photographer has spanned 35 years, and he still has plenty to say with his photography. From July 13 to August 9, 2011, Laliberté’s new exposition Transformations will be at Galerie Dentaire in the Gay Village… Transformations is the latest body of work from the famed Robert Laliberté. It explores many different types of transformations and is described as “visual poetry”, saying that each photograph can be interpreted in a unique way by different people. The only thing Laliberté doesn’t want anyone to feel is “nothing”. “I hope not a single person leaves without feeling some sort of emotion from my photos,” says Laliberté. I was treated to a small sneak peek of this year’s collection and emotions do run high in these pieces. Some are deeply personal to Laliberté, one in particular, Angel, focuses on some of his friends during his life that have died from AIDS. This exposition has a more classic Laliberté feel to it, going back to the themes of blending the male figure with nature. The link Laliberté draws between the two is that we are all organic beings. In Transformations there will be 21 pieces, with over 60 photographs... / Read More →

]]>Robert Laliberté’s illustrious career as a photographer has spanned 35 years, and he still has plenty to say with his photography. From July 13to August 9, 2011, Laliberté’s new exposition Transformations will be at Galerie Dentaire in the Gay Village…

Transformations is the latest body of work from the famed Robert Laliberté. It explores many different types of transformations and is described as “visual poetry”, saying that each photograph can be interpreted in a unique way by different people. The only thing Laliberté doesn’t want anyone to feel is “nothing”.

“I hope not a single person leaves without feeling some sort of emotion from my photos,” says Laliberté. I was treated to a small sneak peek of this year’s collection and emotions do run high in these pieces. Some are deeply personal to Laliberté, one in particular, Angel, focuses on some of his friends during his life that have died from AIDS. This exposition has a more classic Laliberté feel to it, going back to the themes of blending the male figure with nature. The link Laliberté draws between the two is that we are all organic beings.

In Transformations there will be 21 pieces, with over 60 photographs integrated within. This exhibit will be his second show that uses digital processing to create a transformation in his photos. Although it will be nothing like his last show, which took lots of photoshop and 5-6 photographs to create intricate designs and creatures. This exhibit takes a much more subtle approach, using photoshop in a much more direct way to tell the stories in his photographs. Traditionally, Laliberté seems to use god-like masculine bodies, toned objects of desire. However, Laliberté says that he uses many different types and shapes of bodies. His ease and expertise in photographing men started when he began shooting the covers of Fugues Magazine (a gay-centric magazine published in Montreal). To date, he has shot well over 150 Fugues covers, something he attributes as an important milestone in developing his career as a photographer.

So when anyone is in town walking around the Gay Village during Divers/Cité or Montreal Pride, be sure to pop into Galerie Dentaire. The show is being produced by Kat Coric ART + IDEAS and is sure to bring your through a journey of emotions, beauty, nature and the human form.

]]>http://www.tourisme-montreal.org/blog/robert-laliberte-transformations/feed/0GAY MONTREAL: JULYhttp://www.tourisme-montreal.org/blog/gay-montreal-july/
http://www.tourisme-montreal.org/blog/gay-montreal-july/#commentsTue, 05 Jul 2011 13:30:01 +0000Alexander Dunphy/blog/?p=4552Gayly? Julay? Jugay? There seems to be almost as many portmanteaus for “Gay” and “July” as there are things to do! So take your time to muddle it over, and settle on the portmanteau you feel comfortable with and then explore all the exciting gay things happening in the city this month… [DAYS OF THE WEEK (WEAK NEED NOT APPLY)] Monday: Billiards Tournament at l’Aigle Noir (1812 St-Catherine East) starting at 7PM. I have a feeling there will be more strokes and balls than appropriate for a Billiards game. Tuesday: Mado’s Variety Hour starting at 11:30 PM at Cabaret Mado (1115 St-Catherine East). Mado hosts a gang of Drag Queens sashaying on stage and being fabulous. Get there early if you want a good vantage point. Wednesday: Ladies night at Stock Bar (1171 St-Catherine East). Need I say more? Hilarity comes in all shapes and sizes. Thursday: Live acoustic music at Gotha Lounge (1641 Amherst). Let the good vibes roll. Friday: Friday No Parking at Parking Nightclub (1296 Amherst). Shooter boyz, gogo boyz, drag boyz, muscle boyz, circus boyz and more boyz. Saturday: Poplife at Club Unity (1171 St-Catherine East) . Multiple bars, Huge amazing terrace, glamorous music… They’re not... / Read More →

]]>Gayly? Julay? Jugay? There seems to be almost as many portmanteaus for “Gay” and “July” as there are things to do! So take your time to muddle it over, and settle on the portmanteau you feel comfortable with and then explore all the exciting gay things happening in the city this month…

[DAYS OF THE WEEK (WEAK NEED NOT APPLY)] Monday: Billiards Tournament at l’Aigle Noir (1812 St-Catherine East) starting at 7PM. I have a feeling there will be more strokes and balls than appropriate for a Billiards game. Tuesday: Mado’s Variety Hour starting at 11:30 PM at Cabaret Mado (1115 St-Catherine East). Mado hosts a gang of Drag Queens sashaying on stage and being fabulous. Get there early if you want a good vantage point. Wednesday: Ladies night at Stock Bar (1171 St-Catherine East). Need I say more? Hilarity comes in all shapes and sizes. Thursday: Liveacoustic music at Gotha Lounge (1641 Amherst). Let the good vibes roll. Friday: Friday No Parking at Parking Nightclub (1296 Amherst). Shooter boyz, gogo boyz, drag boyz, muscle boyz, circus boyz and more boyz. Saturday: Poplife at Club Unity (1171 St-Catherine East) . Multiple bars, Huge amazing terrace, glamorous music… They’re not selling pop music, this is a pop lifestyle. Sunday: Thank god for Rebecca Black teaching me the days of the week or that paragraph would have been real tough. Sunday is nap time event at Club Your Bed (1234 Mattress Street West). Go rest up.

Once again, the colourful festival in Montreal returns! Check out the full Divers/Cité post here. Watch movies in a park, see artistic ballet dancing (bonus: the dancers are nude, but trust me it’s really classy), opera and a plethora of international DJs! I’m looking forward to Mascara the most. It’s just the most extravagant thing I’ve ever seen. Le Grane Danse, Le Grande Ball, it can all be hard to handle. So the best way to deal with the overload of creativity and fun is the just breathe deep and dive right in.

[Baby, you're a Firework] Every Saturday night, see the beautiful fireworks light up the Montreal skyline. There’s nothing that screams gay more than shooting rainbow colours up into the air and spraying fun and magic for all the world to see. Try going to Papineau metro and getting a good view! The show starts at 10PM and usually lasts around 30 minutes. Click here for the full schedule.

[Zoofest brings the Freaky Naughty]

The logo for Zoofest is a lion head with wings. Therefore, I will go to whatever it tells me to. I will honour this idol until the end of time. Zoofest is the wacky, quirky, open minded festival where anything goes. Some things may be offensive. Somethings may be adorable. But all will be unforgettable. From July 9-31st, you’ll have plenty of time to be disturbed/entertained. Check out all the theatre, burlesque, funny, dancing and magical programming here.

[Gays like country music too]

The blonde power house vixen of country music Taylor Swift is coming to the Bell Centre on July 14. Taylor Swift is a statuesque 5’11 and has hair like Rapunzel. For this reason she is my gay fantasy. It’s a fact that, like Shania, she is bringing the country to the gays, and the gays to the country. This show is one that can’t be missed if you’re a gay country boy like me.

[Aires Libres Encore & Street Sale]AIRES LIBRES started in late May, but now ALL the decorations are up, all the street art is installed and all the gays have come a-flocking. Tents, festivals, street performers, buskers, sales and shenanigans are happening every day along this stretch of St-Catherine between Berri and Papineau. And it’s only getting wilder the deeper into this sweltering summer we get. There’s a street sale happening July 14-17 so make sure to head down and look at all the sweet swag up for grabs!